- November 22, 2024
- Posted by: EBAN Team
- Category: News
It is with great sadness to learn that Peter Cowley, one of EBAN’s most honourable and cherished members, will no longer be with us. Before joining our network, he was chair of the board of the increasingly influential Cambridge Angles in the UK. As the President of EBAN from 2018 to 2020, Peter played an important role in guiding the network through a period of growth, helping it expand and thrive. Under his leadership, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of EBAN’s creation.
Peter’s contributions to the angel investing community are immeasurable. With 76 investments made throughout his career, it comes to no surprise that he was awarded UK Business Angel of the Year 2014/15 and Most Successful Exit of the Year 2021 by EBAN in Cork, Ireland. These achievements showcase the exemplary work Peter has done, making him an inspiration for our community as one of the most prolific Angel Investors in Europe. Throughout his numerous successes, as well as his failures, Peter embodied the resilience and determination required to succeed in this industry. His influence on our network has been profound. Peter was instrumental in helping EBAN grow and evolve into the strong, dynamic community it is today. The countless events he organised for investors and entrepreneurs have played a decisive role in advancing our mission of creating opportunities, sharing knowledge, and supporting innovation. Through these workshops and discussions, he touched the lives of many, fostering a culture of learning and mutual support that will continue to benefit us all.
As a mentor, Peter was unmatched in his willingness to share his vast knowledge and experience. He used his position to help shape the future of the angel investing ecosystem, offering invaluable guidance to aspiring investors and entrepreneurs. His legacy is a living testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and education. Through the countless workshops and panels he led, Peter made a lasting impact, empowering people all over the world. His work continues to inspire, educate, and connect individuals from diverse backgrounds, all eager to learn from his experience. For those who want to access some of his valuable teachings, we have created a curated playlist which you can access directly here.
Peter’s life was defined by frankness, modesty, courage, and determination that very few people possessed. Even as he faced immense personal challenges, he remained steadfast in his dedication to uplifting others. His ability to turn post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic success is something we can all learn from. Those who knew him were struck by his strength and honesty, as well as his remarkable ability to continue to share his knowledge while facing such hardship. Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the EAIS 2024 was timely and fitting as well as a moment of pride for him, reflecting not just his achievements but the character and determination that defined his life.
Words cannot fully express how grateful we are to have had Peter as part of our community. His leadership, wisdom, and generosity will be missed, but his legacy will live on through the ongoing work he inspired and the many individuals he mentored. His autobiography, Public Success, Private Grief, offers a window into his personal journey, a must-read for anyone wishing to understand his path and the challenges he overcame. For a more recent glimpse into his thoughts and reflections, we encourage you to watch his last interview here. Additionally, his book The Invested Investor provides profound insights into the world of entrepreneurship and investing, and is highly recommended for investors at all stages of their careers. For those that want to continue supporting what Peter believed in you can donate to PAPYRUS, an organisation dedicated in the prevention of young suicide.
We extend our deepest condolences to Peter’s family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as we mourn his passing and celebrate his extraordinary life. Though you are no longer with us, EBAN will never forget the impact you have had as a Leader, as Angel Investor, and as a Mentor for the network.
Peter’s Website:
Books by Peter Cowley:
Peter Cowley Playlist:
Peter’s Most Recent Interview:
#21 Peter Cowley – Succesfuld UK-profil præget af personlige kampe og tragedier
EBAN Published Articles: